Syllabus 2011/2012 MVKF15

Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)

INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE SYSTEMS

MVKF15

Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Cycle: G2 (First Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. Optional for: M4fo. Course coordinator: Dr Martin Tunér, Martin.Tuner@energy.lth.se, Energy Sciences. Assessment: Written examination graded with Fail or one of the passing grades 3, 4 or 5 which normally correspond to 40, 60 and 80 % of the maximum number of points respectively. In order to qualify for participation in the written examination all of the mandatory laboratory exercises must have been completed with approved reports. Home page: http://www.energy.lth.se.

Aim
The objective of the course is to provide a thorough understanding of the processes that occur in road vehicles and the reason why they are designed as they are.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

be able to give an overview of the functions of main components of a modern road vehicle
be able to provide an individual written explanation of the propulsion system in road vehicles and how these are influenced by various operating and design parameters at a detailed conceptual level
be able to perform analysis of the propulsion system and road vehicle efficiency
be able to describe the usefulness of road vehicles as well as their safety issues and impact on the environment

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to use comparative factors to analyse, select and design propulsion systems (engine - transmission) and brake systems for a given simple vehicle application
be able to calculate vehicle efficiency based on the design of the vehicle and its components
be able to apply simplified models to analyse a vehicles chassis dynamics
be able to, group wise with supervision, conduct performance measurements on a modern personal car

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

actively participate in discussions of relevant problems for the subject
be able to present written analysis of road vehicle performance

Contents
The course mainly deals with road vehicles. First a general description of the most common road vehicles such as personal cars and trucks is given. Then the history of road vehicles is presented. Thereafter, a number of definitions regularly used to define road vehicles are explained. The connection between vehicle properties and the requirements from different users and applications are explained. The course also contains an overview of vehicle safety & safety issues and a deeper discussion on the impact on the environment. How to dimension brake and chassis/suspension is taught after which propulsion systems, e.g. engine, transmission and hybrid systems are dealt with in detail. Electrical vehicles will also be discussed. Finally an account is made on contemporary and future vehicles and alternative transport systems.

The course contains lectures, seminars, exercises and two laboratory exercises. In the first key components of a motorcycle, personal car and a truck are identified and compared. In the second a driving cycle will be performed on public roads to simulate the driving cycles in EU performed to certify fuel consumption on passenger cars. By also measuring the g-forces at the same time, an analysis of the vehicle dynamics can be performed as well. Normally an industry representative will give an invited lecture.

Literature
Happian-Smith, Julian: An Introduction to Modern Vehicle Design, SAE International och Elsevier ltd 2004, ISBN 0-7680-0596-5